Viewpoint: 10 things NOT to bring to college

The secret to packing for college is to not take too much stuff, because you definitely won’t use everything you bring, plus you’ll be buying plenty of stuff once you’re there. Without further ado, here’s what to leave home.

1. Fancy clothes and accessories

You will not be attending many galas over the course of the semester, so limit party/going-out clothing to one or two outfits (no one cares what you wear). Girls can get away with one or two business-casual dresses or skirts. Bringing five pairs of high heels and your 10 nicest designer bags is unnecessary.

Guys shouldn’t bring more than one interview/formal suit. On a similar note, it’s not worth it to bring clothing for every season on move-in day. Stick to the minimum amount — you’ll wear fewer clothes than you think, and you can always switch wardrobes when going home for breaks.

2. A toaster

This is just one example of an appliance that you won’t need to bring because A) the dining hall probably has toasters, and B) you can purchase one at Target for around $8 if you really, really need one in your room. Leave home pretty much any appliances besides a microwave and mini fridge. This goes for TVs — you can watch anything on your laptop, it’s 2014 you know.

3. An office chair

Like all other important furniture, your dorm will provide one of these. Again, if you’re really unsatisfied with the dorm option, you can pick one up for around $20 at Staples or Target. Keep in mind that storing extra furniture in a dorm room can be difficult. It’s a dorm, not an apartment.

4. Air mattress/sleeping bag

When you have friends staying over from other schools, make them bring their own or crash on your suite couch. It’s that easy. Storage space is valuable.

5. T-shirts

If you show up to school with more than two t-shirts, you’ve already lost. The time between freshman orientation and senior commencement will be filled with approximately 350 free t-shirts. Everywhere from Hillel to the gym will impress scratchy cotton shirts upon you. There is no escape.

6. School supplies

This is a waste of space and often you won’t end up using the ten binders and five packs of looseleaf paper you bought in advance. Save your Office Max shopping trip for a few days into classes, when you see how many notes you really will be taking by hand (hello, computers exist) and how many handouts you receive.

7. Anything your roommate already has

Obviously this requires planning ahead, but it’s a good idea to be in contact with your roommate before moving in. They may be willing to share her microwave, hairdryer or kitchen utensils.

8. Holiday-themed stuff

This applies to everything from cute decorations that serve literally no purpose to elaborate Halloween costumes and mini Christmas trees (they’re festive, okay, but a waste of space for 90% of the year). The funky heart headband that you wear every Valentine’s day can come since it’s small, and wall art and hangings are fine, since they don’t take up floor space.

9. Valuables or items you cherish

It’s realistic to leave jewelry and other valuables home. You do not need your diamond studs for 8am calc, and this also goes for anything else you’d miss if it were lost or stolen.

10. Your mom

You love her, and she loves you, but it’s time for you to go. All moms try to live vicariously through their children but there is a point where that becomes nonsense. Regular phone calls are fine, but don’t drive your roommate up the wall by talking to her every day on the hour.

Gabriella Ginsberg is an English student at Binghamton University. She is an entertainment and pop culture addict with a thirst for comedy. Her goal is to work with funny and enthusiastic people. Gab can be found on her blog, Thrift Class, her website, gabginsberg.com or on instagram @gab_the_bomb.